Updated on: 14 September, 2024 01:20 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Ayushmann Khurrana, born on September 14, is known for his remarkable ability to choose diverse and socially relevant roles in Bollywood. Over the years, he has become a celebrated name for portraying relatable, unconventional characters with depth and authenticity. From addressing sensitive topics to balancing humour and serious issues, Ayushmann’s performances have left a lasting impression on audiences. Here’s a look at five of his most memorable roles that have defined his unique career path.

1. Vicky Arora in Vicky Donor (2012)
Ayushmann plays Vicky Arora, a carefree, young Punjabi guy who becomes a sperm donor. This was Ayushmann’s debut role and a breakthrough performance. The character’s humour, sensitivity, and involvement in an unconventional issue like sperm donation made it fresh and appealing to audiences. His portrayal brought a sensitive topic to mainstream discussion with a touch of comedy, making it a path-breaking role in Bollywood.
2. Prem Prakash Tiwari in Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
Prem is a reluctant husband forced into an arranged marriage with an overweight woman, Sandhya. Ayushmann played a flawed yet relatable character, navigating the emotional struggles of a mismatched marriage. His portrayal was subtle, raw, and deeply human. The film beautifully touched upon body image issues and relationships, making his character both heartwarming and real.
3. Ayan Ranjan in Article 15 (2019)
Ayan Ranjan is a young, idealistic police officer who investigates caste-based crimes in rural India. Ayushmann’s portrayal of Ayan Ranjan brought out the harsh realities of caste discrimination in India. He took on a serious, socially relevant role that sparked conversation on important topics. The intense and gritty performance highlighted his versatility as an actor.
4. Karamveer Singh in Dream Girl (2019)
Karamveer is a man who can mimic female voices and takes on the role of "Pooja" at a call centre. This comic role showcased Ayushmann’s impeccable timing and ability to slip into different characters. The film was a laugh riot, and his performance as both Karam and "Pooja" had audiences hooked. His dual performance brought comedy with a message about loneliness and societal expectations.